Shirley M. Wille, Edgerton (1931-2014)

Shirley M. Wille, 82, of Edgerton, died on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Mercy Hospital, Janesville, WI. She was born in Edgerton on Jan. 3, 1931, the daughter of the late, Anna (Phillips) and Clarence Schmeling. She married Ralph Wille on April 11, 1953, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Edgerton. He preceded her in death on Jan. 12, 2010. Shirley had been an Edgerton resident all of her life. She was a loving mother, housewife, and partner on the family farm. She was a dedicated watcher of RFD-TV, finding special enjoyment in the musical programs. She enjoyed dancing, going to the Fireside Theater, volunteering for Meals on Wheels and the Town of Fulton Election Polls, and in later years, she became a dedicated viewer of the Badgers and the Green Bay Packers. She was a lifelong member of Central Lutheran Church, its Deborah-Hope Circle, and she was proud of her Norwegian heritage.

Shirley is survived by her three children: Cheryl (Roger) Schlesser of Mt. Horeb, Russ (Jodi Bennetts) of Edgerton, Eric (Teresa) Wille of Edgerton; three grandchildren: Chelsi Wille of Delavan, Courtney and Kyle Wille, both of Edgerton; and a great-grandchild, Avery Kimmerly of Delevan; two first cousins, Dick Schmeling of Edgerton and Gerry Dallman of Janesville; as well as many nieces and nephews; other extended family members and special friends: Meta Schenkel-Meyer, Myrt and Walt Siebenbaum, and Janette Klemp, Eleanor Rahn, and Gene Edwardson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Wille; her parents, Anna and Clarence Schmeling; two brothers, Donald and John Schmeling; and two sisters, June Schmeling and Lois Risch.

A Funeral service will be held at NOON on Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, at CENTRAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 100 W. Rollin St., Edgerton, with Pastor James Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held beginning at 10 a.m. at the CHURCH, until the time of the service. The EHLERT FUNERAL HOME of Edgerton is assisting the family. There will be a private family burial at Jenson Cemetery. A special thank you is extended to Dr. John Ewalt, the trauma team and staff at Mercy Hospital for the excellent care and their expressed concern for family. In Lieu of other expressions of sympathy, Memorials may be made to Central Lutheran Church, in Shirley's name. Condolences may be expressed at ehlertfuneralhome.com